ROBOTS IN ACTION
How robots are transforming the world around us
Source: The New York Times
Robot Nation: According to a new report, China installed nearly 300K factory robots last year — more than the rest of the world combined. The country now hosts over 2M robots working in its factories, part of Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” campaign to help domestic companies dominate robotics adoption while reducing reliance on imports.
Sneak Peek: Chinese researchers have unveiled a pill-sized robot that peeks inside your gut without surgery. It collects liquid samples from inside the digestive tract without invasive procedures, using external magnetic fields to navigate to target areas. Unlike traditional gut biopsies that require endoscopies or colonoscopies with anesthesia, this approach offers a less invasive way to analyze gut health.
Furry Friends: West Berkshire Council in the UK is testing robotic pets in local care homes to combat loneliness among residents with dementia and learning disabilities. The lifelike companions feature built-in sensors that respond to petting and hugging, providing predictable, non-judgmental interaction that can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Shipyard Shift: The American Bureau of Shipping has teamed up with Persona AI to bring humanoid robots to shipyards, targeting an industry struggling with up to 60% first-year employee turnover. The partnership will develop safety standards for robots designed to handle shipbuilding tasks in spaces originally built for human workers.